Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd

Handler Profile (August 2004) ~ Sharon Fraser & Jon Fraser

Name:  Sharon Fraser

Where do you live?  Mudgeeraba in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Occupation:  Chef/Manager & Jack of most trades.

Describe yourself in 25 words or less:  I can be very hard headed, but my dog brings out the best in me. I love a challenge and take great joy from being able to help others.

Describe you agility vehicle: Toyota Wagon which contains 15kgs of dog hair.

When did you start playing agility, what drew you to the sport?  May 2002, A good friend showed me a flyer about WAAG's club and I was there the next training day.

Dogs and their achievements: My best mate Heidi AAD, a 3 year old Dalmatian, we are currently chasing the elusive Quallie in Agility for her SAAD title.  I think Heidi's greatest achievement is she constantly puts up with me.

Where do you train?  WAAG's on the Gold Coast (The best Club)

What do you like about agility?  The friendly, encouraging people who never criticise, but constantly assist me.

When did you start in agility? 2 years ago.

What is your favourite ADAA event? (Agility/Jumping/Gamblers, etc) and Why?  I would have to say Jumping because we can't seem to get the Agility Quallie we need.

What was the most important piece of advice that you have been given about agility? Go out and have fun with your dog and enjoy yourself.

What was the most difficult training problem that you have overcome? Re teaching Heidi to stay at the start whilst I led out.

What is your most memorable moment in agility?  Watching Heidi try her heart out to please me, every run we do is the best.

What will your next dog be and when do you think you will get it?  Definitely another Dalmatian, I love the challenge,  But I don't think Heidi would take too  kindly to sharing me in the near future.

What is your favourite training game and how do you play it?  Probably Shaping – Heidi loves to teach me to reward often.

What is your next goal in agility?  To get our SAAD title & then have Heidi the best Dally in Qld.

Any other interesting information about you that you would like to share with the members:   Heidi is my mate, she gives her all whenever I ask, we have run in the heat, the cold, the rain & the sleet ( more reliable than the mailman ) and she just keeps trying to please me.  She has taught me a lot about myself.

Name:  Jon Fraser

Where do you live?  Mudgeeraba in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Occupation: Semi Retired

Describe yourself in 25 words or less: I am a retired Police Officer whose love of fishing seems to have been abruptly replaced be Agility.

Describe you agility vehicle: Toyota Camry Wagon specially fitted out to collect and retain large quantities of dog hair and agility gear.

When did you start playing agility, what drew you to the sport? Play started in October 2002 and the drawcard was my wife threatening to leave me if I didn't at least give it a go.

Dogs and their achievements: I have a 3 year old male Dalmatian named GUNNER. We haven't obtained our first title yet but we are having a great time trying.

Where do you train? WAAG Agility Club on the Gold Coast

What do you like about agility?  The pure and simple fun of running with your dog and the friendships that develop with likeminded people.

When did you start in agility? Eighteen months ago in October 2002.

What is your favourite ADAA event? (Agility/Jumping/Gamblers, etc) and Why?  Gunner and I haven't really ventured into the world of Games yet but Agility and Jumping rate equally at this stage.

What was the most important piece of advice that you have been given about agility? Have faith in your own abilities and learn to trust your dog and most importantly be positive and have fun.

What was the most difficult training problem that you have overcome?  Two problems actually – firstly maintaining Gunner's focus on me and secondly, teaching Gunner ( and me !!) to master the Weave Poles.

What is your most memorable moment in agility? Definitely Gunner's first faultless weave poles .

What will your next dog be and when do you think you will get it?  Probably another Dalmatian ( only those that own them would really understand !!!!!!!)

What is your favourite training game and how do you play it?  Shaping different behaviours and getting to chase the ball and play with the tug toy after a successful training session.

What is your next goal in agility?  Just to keep on having fun with Gunner. Any titles that may come our way would be a welcome bonus.

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